Family Therapy

Family therapy is based on the belief that the family is a unique social system with its own structure and patterns of communication. These patterns are determined by many factors, including the parents' beliefs and values, the personalities of all family members, and the influence of the extended family (grandparents, aunts, and uncles). As a result of these variables, each family develops its own unique personality, which is powerful and affects all of its members.

Family therapy is based on the following concepts as well.

Illness in one family member may be a symptom of a larger family problem. To treat only the member who is identified as ill is like treating the symptom of a disease but not the disease itself. It is possible that if the person with the illness is treated but the family is not, another member of the family will become ill. This cycle will continue until the problems are examined and treated. Any change in one member of the family affects both the family structure and each member individually.

Symptoms

Problems can develop in a couple relationship because of a medical or psychological problem in either person, or in one of their children. Parent-child problems can also create distress within a family. Poor communication and discipline problems are very common. Sometimes there are constant battles between siblings, and the parents cannot seem to resolve the conflicts. Divorce, and the creation of stepfamilies, can create difficulties in a family, sometimes for all members of the family. Sometimes the couple relationship itself is the problem, with poor communication, constant conflict, lack of closeness, sexual problems, or in-law problems all to be considered possible concerns.

Causes

 Family therapy is becoming an increasingly common form of treatment as changes in society are reflected in family structures. It has led to two further developments: couples therapy, which treats relationship problems between marriage partners or gay couples; and the extension of family therapy to religious communities or other groups that resemble families.

When is it right to seek help

Anyone who has a condition that interferes with his or her life and the lives of family members may benefit from family therapy. Usually, the better the family functions, the lower the stress level for the person with the health problem.

Family therapy has been used successfully to treat many different types of families in many different situations, including those in which:

The parents have conflict within their relationship.
A child has behaviour or school problems.
Children or teens have problems getting along with each other.
One family member has a long-term (chronic) mental illness, such as an alcohol use problem or severe depression.
Family therapy can also be useful before problems begin. Some families seek this type of therapy when they anticipate a major change in their lives. For example, a man and woman who both have children from previous marriages may go to family therapy when they marry to help all family members learn how to live together.

The concepts of family therapy can also be used in individual therapy sessions and are particularly helpful for people who come from families in which there is illness and/or other problems. Adults who lived in poorly functioning families as children may benefit from individual therapy using family therapy concepts.

Types of treatment

During therapy sessions, the family's strengths are used to help them handle their problems. All members take responsibility for problems. Some family members may need to change their behavior more than others.

Family therapy is a very active type of therapy, and family members are often given assignments. For example, parents may be asked to delegate more responsibilities to their children.

The number of sessions required varies, depending on the severity of the problems and the willingness of the members to participate in therapy. The family and the therapist set mutual goals and discuss the length of time expected to achieve the goals. Not all members of the family attend each session.